Testicular Biopsy

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A testicular biopsy is a minor day care procedure to remove a small sample of tissue from one or both testicles and examine it under a microscope to evaluate a man’s ability to father a child in case he is Diagnosed with Azoospermia. If sperm cells are found then the tissue is frozen for future use with ICSI treatment.

The testicles (testes) are oval-shaped glands that hang in the scrotum beneath the base of the penis.

Why It Is Done

A testicular biopsy may, on rare occasions, be done to help determine the cause of male infertility. Testicular biopsy may be done if both of the following are present:

The man’s semen does not have sperm.

Azoospermia with Hormone test results are within the normal range.

How To Prepare

Before having a testicular biopsy, be sure to tell your doctor if you:

Have had any bleeding problems.

Are allergic to any medicines, including anesthetics.

Take any medicines regularly. Be sure your doctor knows the names and doses of all your medicines.

Are taking any blood-thinning medicines, such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox), aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

You will be asked to sign a consent form that says you understand the risks of the test and agree to have it done.

How it is done

The testes is held by the surgeon and after administering a local Anesthetic a small incision is made on the testes and the testicular tissue is extracted,following which the surgeon will suture the wound which will heal in 7 days and the sutures are absorbable so one does not need to remove them.

It is a painless procedure which causes minor discomfort. Post the procedure you will be given antibiotic and pain killers for 5 days.